BAY CITY, MI — Elaine Fournier is the first to admit she's never been a big beer drinker.

That said, she also says some of the new beers coming out of Michigan's craft breweries have her changing her tune.

"I go for the ones that have a mocha or caramel hint to them," she said. "The variety in beer is more vast than the variety of wines. Everybody has their own tastes that they enjoy."

Offering up those tastes is what the fourth annual Apps & Ales event in downtown Bay City is all about. Those attending get to sample some of the finest beers from breweries around Michigan paired perfectly with appetizers served up by 14 participating downtown restaurants and pubs.

Three of Fournier's establishments, Stein Haus, Atrium and the Princess Wenonah, are part of the event this year.

At Atrium, a Rubaeus Raspberry Ale is being paired with raspberry bars and chocolate desserts, while an IPA is partnering with pasta.

Fournier says the raspberry flavor of the beer just lends itself to sweets, while the IPA, a more tart beer, pairs well with pasta.

"It smooths out the taste," she said.

Craft beers have taken Michigan, the fastest growing craft beer state, by storm, said Fournier.

"We get people who are really, really interested in beers," Fournier said. "They are very interested in styles in beer tasting and trying those that are different. It definitely takes in all the senses, the colors, the heads. There's different smells and looks to beer and completely different tastes."

Candace Bales, executive director of the Bay City Downtown Management Board and Downtown Development Authority, says the interest in craft beer is what has made Apps & Ales grow by leaps and bounds since its inception four years ago.

"Michigan has gotten so on board with beer," Bales said. "There are a lot more in Michigan than when we started the event. They are just popping up everywhere."

Here is a sampler, if you will, of what can be found during this year's Apps & Ales event. A complete list of participating restaurants and their offerings can be found at the bottom of this story:

• Dockside, 1019 N. Water St., is offering Bean Flicker Blonde Ale with Coffee from Odd Side Ales and Brothers American IPA from the Midland Brewing Co. along with shaved roasted turkey breast served with smoked gouda cheese and balsamic onion jam on a pretzel roll.

While the food and beer get top billing, Bales says this is one of Bay City's social events of the season.

"There are groups of guys," she said. "How often do you see that? We always see couples and women, but this brings men together. There are new faces and people that we see at all the events. It's just a great time of year to celebrate spring and getting out with a group of people in a cool downtown."

Once again, the Josh Ramses Band will be on the plaza in front of the Atrium, and the Swaggering Rogues will be playing in Unity Park, located on Center Avenue near Mulligan's Pub.

Fournier says there will also be music in the Stein Haus and aboard the Princess Wenonah.

Tickets are available at each participating business, and include a commemorative beer glass.